New Delhi: In a shocking revelation, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Hafeez has claimed that match-fixing in Pakistan cricket did not start in 2010 but has its roots in the 1990s. Speaking on a podcast, Hafeez alleged that the match-fixing scandals that surfaced later were merely a continuation of corrupt practices that had been prevalent in the past.

“Match-Fixing Was Not New in 2010” – Hafeez

Hafeez stated that the 2010 spot-fixing scandal, which involved players like Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and Mohammad Amir, was not an isolated incident. Instead, he pointed out that such activities had been ongoing for decades but were conveniently ignored. He said, “When match-fixing happened in 2010, it wasn’t the first time. This issue has been there since the 90s. But instead of addressing it, the system brushed it under the carpet and allowed those responsible to escape.”

1990s Players Damaged Pakistan Cricket

The former all-rounder criticized the culture of the 1990s team, claiming that internal conflicts, grouping, and match-fixing were rampant during that era. He revealed that senior players engaged in personal rivalries, creating a toxic dressing room environment. Hafeez remarked, “In the 90s, there were groups within the team, fights between players, and match-fixing. This is where everything started, and unfortunately, it continues even today.”

“Pakistan’s System Allowed Corrupt Players to Escape”

Hafeez further blamed Pakistan’s cricketing system for failing to take strict action against corrupt players. He alleged that despite evidence, these players were given the opportunity to walk away without facing consequences. He warned, “When you don’t punish wrongdoing, it only grows stronger. The entire system was damaged by those 90s players who engaged in fixing.”

Hafeez’s Past Statements on Match-Fixing

This is not the first time Hafeez has spoken against match-fixing. In the past, he openly refused to play alongside cricketers who had been caught in fixing scandals. In 2018, he was vocal about his disapproval of Mohammad Amir’s return to the national team, arguing that players who taint the nation’s reputation should not be given a second chance.

Reactions to Hafeez’s Claims

Hafeez’s statement has reignited the debate over match-fixing in Pakistan cricket. Many fans and analysts believe his words highlight the need for stricter regulations and accountability. Former cricketers have also expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting his claims while others feel that such discussions harm Pakistan cricket’s reputation.

What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?

With Hafeez’s explosive comments making headlines, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might face pressure to revisit old fixing cases and take stronger measures to prevent corruption in the future. Whether or not his allegations lead to further investigations remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—match-fixing continues to be a dark shadow over Pakistan cricket.